Wave of International Flight Cancellations to Israel Grows After Missile Strike on Ben-Gurion Airport

By: Fern Sidman

Air travel to and from Israel remains deeply disrupted following a missile strike on Ben-Gurion International Airport on Sunday, triggering a growing wave of flight cancellations by international carriers. As Israel Hayom reported on Tuesday, dozens of airlines across North America, Europe, and Asia have suspended service due to escalating regional tensions and ongoing security concerns. The evolving situation continues to affect thousands of travelers and poses significant logistical challenges for global aviation.

The cancellations, which began almost immediately after the airport was struck, have intensified throughout the week. According to the information provided in the Israel Hayom report, several major airlines have now extended their suspensions into mid-May, while others are revising their plans daily based on risk assessments and government guidance.

Among the earliest to halt operations was Air India, which canceled all flights to Israel through May 8. Wizz Air followed suit, suspending its flights until the morning of May 8. Meanwhile, the Israel Hayom report confirmed that European carriers have taken similar precautions. Air France and Transavia announced that they would not resume flights to Israel until May 13. Italy’s ITA Airways canceled all flights through May 11 and specifically suspended flights AZ809 and AZ815 scheduled for May 12.

Air Europa also extended its suspension through May 7, impacting flights UX1301 and UX1302, as detailed in the Israel Hayom report. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines—two of the major U.S. carriers operating to Tel Aviv—have also pulled back. Delta canceled its Tuesday departure from Israel and announced a suspension through May 8, while United canceled its departures from the U.S. for the next week, though it has yet to provide an updated schedule.

British Airways, according to the report at Israel Hayom, halted operations through May 7, including the suspension of flight BA405. Lufthansa Group airlines—including Lufthansa, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Austrian Airlines—have paused all flights to Israel until at least May 11.

Other airlines joining the cancellations include Ryanair, which canceled its Tuesday flights to Israel; Iberia Express; and LOT Polish Airlines, which has suspended several flights through midweek. Aegean Airlines also halted Tuesday operations and is reviewing its upcoming Wednesday flights, based on data shared by Ben-Gurion Airport and published in Israel Hayom.

Despite this massive reshuffling of air traffic, Israel’s skies are not completely closed. As the Israel Hayom report emphasized, several international and regional carriers have opted to maintain their operations, albeit cautiously. Flydubai, for instance, is still operating eight daily flights into and out of Israel. Other carriers maintaining limited service include Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Blue Bird Airways, and Tus Airways.

Israeli carriers, however, continue to serve as the most consistent aviation link between Israel and the rest of the world. El Al, Israir, Arkia, and the newly established Air Haifa are all operating flights in and out of the country as scheduled. Israel Hayom notes that these airlines are playing a crucial role in sustaining travel and commerce despite mounting external cancellations.

Remarkably, even with the ongoing disruptions, Ben-Gurion International Airport remains busy. According to the report at Israel Hayom, approximately 50,400 passengers are expected to travel through the airport today on a total of 308 international flights—both arrivals and departures. About 24,300 passengers are scheduled to depart Israel, while 26,100 are expected to arrive, reflecting the airport’s resilience and the continuing demand for air travel despite growing concerns.

Still, the situation remains fluid. Airline decisions are being reassessed in real time, with operational updates expected daily. As Israel Hayom continues to report, further cancellations could be triggered by additional escalations or changes in travel advisories issued by governments and aviation authorities.

For passengers with upcoming travel plans to or from Israel, experts and airlines alike are urging vigilance and flexibility. Travelers are encouraged to check with airlines directly and monitor updates from Israel’s Airports Authority and security officials.

As the regional security crisis deepens, the air travel sector is once again being forced to adjust to rapidly changing realities. And while Israeli carriers are working to keep critical routes open, the uncertainty calls attention to the broader geopolitical tensions now impacting not only military strategy but civilian mobility across the globe.